Sack GSIS chief

This is a reaction to the column "The persuasive powers of the GSIS", written by acclaimed economist Solita Collas-Monsod. (Inquirer, 8-18-2007) I found it quite disturbing.

We saw again the blatant abuse of power by high officials of the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS). They filed administative and criminal charges against the members of the Special Audit Team (SAT) of the Commission on Audit not only to hit back but also to intimidate present and future investigators and prosecutors.

If President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo sincerely feels for government workers, she should not only increase their salaries, she should also sack GSIS chief Winston Garcia.

Over the years, there have been numerous complaints from retired government workers about delayed pensions. Many of these retirees have written the Inquirer, as last recourse, after the GSIS didn't act on their complaints. Many of the problems they complained about persist to this day.

On the other hand, there are reports that while the retirees are having a hard time getting their well-deserved pensions, GSIS officials have favored themselves with incredible cash incentives and fat retirement packages.

Firing the GSIS chief will send a clear message that the President truly shares their needs and concerns.

But I may be expecting too much from an administration that rewards bullies and jails do-gooders in government.

(Taken from the Letters to the Editor, PDI August 25,2007)